Partial Dentures in Bakersfield, CA

Replace Missing Teeth for a Full Smile!

A smile is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with others, but when missing teeth become a source of embarrassment or discomfort, it can be difficult to confidently share that smile. There are many restorative options for those with lost teeth, such as dental implants, dentures, dental bridges, and more.

Our Bakersfield dentist offers removable partial dentures that are comfortable, durable, and realistic-looking, making them a popular choice for people looking to improve their smile and regain their confidence. To schedule an appointment, contact our dental office in California today at 661-664-9900.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. They’re a popular option for people who want to improve their smile, speech, and chewing abilities. Partial dentures are made from a combination of acrylic and metal, and they’re custom-fitted to your mouth.

These dentures are commonly recommended when a patient has multiple missing teeth but still retains some natural teeth. Partial dentures not only restore the aesthetics of the smile but also help maintain proper alignment of the remaining teeth, prevent shifting, and aid in chewing and speaking.

Benefits of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures offer patients several benefits, including:

• Aesthetics: Removable partial dentures help restore a more natural-looking smile by replacing missing teeth.
• Boosted Confidence: Restoring a complete smile with partial dentures can significantly improve self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing individuals to smile, speak, and socialize with greater ease.
• Functionality: Partial dentures improve the individual’s ability to chew food properly, aiding digestion and nutritional absorption. They also restore the ability to speak more clearly, especially if the missing teeth previously affected pronunciation.
• Facial Support: Teeth provide support for the facial muscles. Missing teeth can lead to sagging of the facial muscles, making an individual appear older. A removable partial denture provides necessary support, maintaining the natural shape of the face.
• Affordable: In many cases, partial dentures can be more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges.
• Customizable Options: Partial dentures are available in various materials, colors, and designs to match individual preferences and needs, providing a personalized solution for each patient.

The Partial Denture Process

The partial denture process is minimally invasive and includes the following steps:

1. Initial Dental Exam: You’ll start with an initial consultation and dental exam with our Bakersfield dentist. He’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if partial dentures suit your needs.
2. Preparation: If necessary, we may need to prepare your remaining natural teeth for partial dentures. This may include reshaping them or filling in cavities.
3. Trial Fitting: Our dentist will create trial dentures made of wax or plastic. This allows you to see how the denture will fit and feel in your mouth. Adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit if needed.
4. Final Fitting: Your finalized denture will be created after the trial one is approved. It may take a few weeks for the partial denture to be made. When it’s ready, our dentist will fit the dentures into your mouth, making any final adjustments.
5. Follow-Up: Dr. Garger will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your dentures are fitting right and not causing you any problems.

If you’re ready to get started with dentures, contact our dentist in Bakersfield today for an appointment.

How to Care for Partial Dentures

Proper care not only keeps your partial dentures looking and feeling fresh but also supports overall oral health. Quality dentures require attentive care, including:

• Handle With Care: Always hold your dentures gently to avoid dropping them. Using a folded towel or basin filled with water while cleaning can act as a cushion in case they slip.
• Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove and rinse the dentures to get rid of any food particles.
• Brush Daily: Use a soft denture brush to clean every surface of the denture daily. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it might be too abrasive.
• Use a Denture Cleaner: Opt for non-abrasive denture cleaners. Avoid using bleach-containing products, as they can weaken the dentures and alter their color. Always ensure that the product you choose is compatible with your type of denture.
• Keep Them Moist: Most removable partial dentures need moisture to maintain their shape. When not in use, place them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water.
• Regular Dental Visits: Just like your natural, healthy teeth, dentures also require professional maintenance. Visit our dentist at least twice a year for professional dental cleanings and to check for any needed adjustments or repairs.

Partial Dentures Candidacy

Factors to consider when determining candidacy for partial dentures include:

• Overall oral health: Candidates for partial dentures should have good oral health and healthy gums. If gum disease or other oral health issues are present, they should be addressed before considering partial denture treatment.
• Number of missing teeth: Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. If a person has lost a significant number of teeth, full dentures or implant-supported dentures may be a better option.
• Remaining teeth: There must be enough healthy remaining teeth to support the partial denture. The remaining teeth must also be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the dental restoration.
• Jawbone density: The jawbone must have sufficient density to support the partial denture. If the jawbone has deteriorated significantly, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary before partial dentures can be considered.
• Patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene: Partial dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent decay and gum disease. Patients must be able to maintain good oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their partial dentures.

To see if partial dentures are right for your oral health needs, contact our Bakersfield dentist today at 661-664-9900 to schedule a consultation.

Partial Denture Cost

While costs vary from patient to patient, partial dentures typically cost between $1,000 to $2,000. The following factors will influence how much your partial dentures will cost:

• Location: For example, dental care might be more expensive in urban areas compared to rural ones.
• Material: There are different types of materials used for partial dentures, such as acrylic, metal, flexible (like Valplast), or a combination. Metal frameworks are usually more expensive than acrylic ones.
• Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: A well-known dentist with a lot of experience may charge more than someone just starting.
• Complexity of the Case: If the case is more complex and requires more adjustments or additional procedures, the cost may increase.
• Additional Treatments: Sometimes additional treatments or procedures, like tooth extractions or fillings, are needed in conjunction with the partial denture. This can add to the total cost.
• Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost of partial dentures. Check with your provider for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Appointment!

At Gentle Family Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re missing one or several teeth, our team can provide you with custom-made partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.

Contact us today at 661-664-9900 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how partial dentures can improve your oral health and quality of life.